The Best Budget-Friendly Home Finds for Small Apartments
I recently moved back into a 500-square-foot apartment, which is even smaller than the last shoebox I was living in. Before that, I spent a year living out of a suitcase, so it’s safe to say I’ve become extremely intentional about what I bring and hold on to. When every square foot counts, anything that takes up space needs to serve a purpose, or at the very least, bring me joy.
Throughout the process of decorating my tiny apartment, I’ve discovered some great budget-friendly home finds that are both functional and space-saving. These products have helped me make the most of my small space without sacrificing style, so I thought I’d share the items I’ve purchased, with some real, unstaged photos, along with my honest review of the product.
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The Best Home Finds For Small Spaces
1. Hydraulic Storage Bed: The Ultimate Small Apartment Storage Solution
The first product that makes the list is this hydraulic bed from Wayfair. My bedroom is so tiny that there is no space for a dresser, and my closet is tiny as well (we’ll get to that in the next product). So, I knew I needed storage for items I wouldn’t use very often, which is why I had to take advantage of the space under my mattress.
I searched for a bed base that fit my style and finally found this one on Wayfair. It was the right style and size (I can only fit a double bed) for my bedroom. I put this bed base together myself (wow, shocker), and I can say that it works amazingly.
As you can see, I can fit a ton of items underneath it, which includes extra bedding, towels, and winter clothes that would otherwise have no place to go in my condo, which has one tiny closet and virtually no storage.
For anyone living in a small apartment, a storage bed is one of the best budget-friendly home finds you can invest in.
2. Amazon Closet Organizer: A Small Closet Game Changer
Next, let’s talk about my closet. I have one closet in this whole place, and it’s tiny. Now, compared to your average girl, I don’t have a lot of clothes, partially because I got rid of a lot before I went gallivanting around the world, and I’ve become much more of a minimalist in general. However, this closet is tiny and only has a standard builder-grade wire rack. It’s okay for hanging shirts and such, but my pants were a mess.
I found this product on Amazon, which was a perfect fit for my closet and allows me to hang my pants below. This has been a game-changer because I hate folding pants, and I didn’t want to invest in a custom closet at this time. It’s a cheap and cheerful product that has made a huge difference in my tiny closet.
If you’re looking for affordable organization ideas for a small apartment, this is definitely one worth considering.
3. Freestanding Pantry: Creating Storage in a Tiny Kitchen
Moving into the kitchen now, my condo kitchen is minuscule, and it quickly became evident that I wasn’t going to have space for my kitchen gadgets or even dry food, for that matter. That’s why I needed a freestanding pantry that could handle the task.
I found this one from Wayfair, and it has been a cheap and cheerful purchase that has been a lifesaver. It fits perfectly into a nook in my kitchen that served no purpose until I found this piece, which now houses my stoneware, food, and kitchen gadgets.
For renters and condo dwellers, adding vertical storage is one of the smartest ways to maximize a small apartment.
4. Pull-Out Garbage and Recycling System
Staying on the topic of the kitchen, I found this pull-out garbage can, which I installed under my sink, and I love it. I can’t stand having a standalone garbage can that takes up floor space and creates clutter and odours. This garbage and recycling combo is perfect, and I love that I’ve utilized the sink cabinet in a smart way.
It’s one of those budget-friendly home finds that isn’t particularly glamorous but makes a huge difference in day-to-day living.
5. Over-the-Sink Drying Rack
Staying on the topic of the kitchen, I also have to complain about my lack of countertop space. I only have a 24″ x 24″ square of countertop surface, and that is barely enough room for a cutting board.
I found a little wire rack that sits above my sink for drying dishes, and honestly, it has helped free up a lot of counter space. I rest so many kitchen gadgets on it while I’m prepping meals, and it’s another cheap and cheerful product that I’m happy I picked up.
When every inch counts in a small apartment kitchen, making use of vertical space is key.
6. Over-the-Toilet Medicine Cabinet
Moving into the bathroom, there was another storage issue I encountered. Of course, I had to find a solution, and I found some budget-friendly Amazon home finds that did the trick.
Above my toilet, I found this medicine cabinet that I think is pretty stylish. It was easy to put together (I did it myself), and I think it’s a great find, especially for the price. It added a whole lot of storage that was very much needed.
This is a great example of utilizing wall space that would otherwise go unused.
7. Under-Sink Bathroom Organizers
Below my vanity, there was a lot of empty space that wasn’t serving my storage needs very well. So, I found these two-tier organizers from Amazon and created a combination of them to fit perfectly under my sink and utilize all of the dead space there.
I’m really happy with the result, and overall, I feel like I have ample storage in my bathroom now.
For small apartment living, hidden storage solutions like these make a huge impact.
8. Corner Shower Shelf for Tiny Bathrooms
For the last bathroom item, I found this shower shelf system that requires no drilling and doesn’t hang from the showerhead.
This corner shower shelf unit fits perfectly into my tiny shower stall. It doesn’t impede the limited space that’s available, and it gives me plenty of room for all my shampoos and shower essentials.
It’s another simple and affordable way to maximize storage in a small shower.
9. Space-Saving Patio Chair for Small Balconies
Moving onto my balcony—yes, again, it is tiny—but I still wanted to utilize it and, of course, kick my feet up and sunbathe whenever possible (I live in Toronto, so there isn’t a lot of that).
However, I still wanted this tiny balcony to be purposeful, and I found another item from Amazon that I love: a patio chair that extends outward and allows you to kick your feet up.
This was another budget-friendly home find that I think is a super score. It allows me to enjoy my outdoor space without overwhelming my tiny balcony with bulky furniture.
Every Inch Counts…
Living in a 500-square-foot condo has forced me to become incredibly intentional about what I bring into my home. Every item needs to earn its place, whether through storage, functionality, or both.
These budget-friendly home finds have helped me maximize every square inch of my apartment without spending a fortune. If you’re living in a small apartment, I hope some of these products help you make the most of your space too.
Read: Small Living Room Layout: How to Fit a Couch and TV in a Tiny Space
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